Thursday, December 22, 2011

Merry Christmas! How blessed we are to have a whole season of celebrating the birth of our Savior. Sure, the presents, lights and decorations are fun, but we know that that's not what this time is about. Just analyze our seasonal greetings: "more Christ" and "holy days". I hope we haven't let the commercialism turn us into Scrooges or Grinches. This is a time of joy; a time to rejoice in the miraculous birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Two weeks ago I was able to sit in the presence of our beloved prophet at the Christmas devotional. I love what President Monson said about being more interested in giving and people than in getting and things. As he said, don't spend Christmas--keep it. Be Scrooge after the spirits' visits. Because, as President Monson also said (or emphasizes, according to my notes) Christmas is what we make of it.

I know that Jesus Christ was born in a humble stable. I know that He was and is the Son of God. He lived for us, atoned for us, died for us and lives again to grant us everlasting life. I know my family in heaven is watching over me and each one of us. The gospel is true. Every bit of it.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Sister Clayton will be going outbound on Tuesday, 20 December. She will be serving in the New York Utica Mission until 14 March 2012, when she will return to Temple Square. Her address during this time will be: